Last season, the Rensselaer softball team suffered six one-run losses on a spring training trip to California. This season, they hope to turn the tables on their opponents.
Armed with strong new athletic talent, the Red Hawks are looking forward to their spring break trip to Florida. “The California trip was too much last season,” commented Coach Erika Lewis, “we lost a lot of close games. It was rough.”
After the shaky start last year, the Red Hawks pulled together, winning 15 of their last 20 games to finish the season 15-14, with a share of the UCAA title.
This year’s roster features more athleticism and raw talent than rosters of years past. The team lost Leanna and Shannon Smith to graduation, but will have seven freshmen to fill the void.
Senior Laura Feeney will lead the returners for RPI. Feeney is slated to play left field. Joining her in the outfield is junior Liz Vitaliano. Vitaliano was an offensive star last year, and will continue centerfield.
Sophomore Stephanie Vanek will be the starting second baseman for the Red Hawks, after an impressive rookie campaign.
The Red Hawks will feature youth this season, and with youth comes inexperience. “There could be five or six rookie starters,” said Lewis, “although we’re a young team, we’ll be very strong defensively.”
Freshmen Amanda Bolognino and Katherine Valenta will be splitting time at third base and catcher. Newcomer Ali O’Connor will lead a platoon at first, and sophomore Shannon Quinn will see time at shortstop.
Offensively, the Red Hawks are just as strong. Bolognino will slide into the third or fourth slot in the lineup, and Vanek and Vitaliano will provide strength to the top of the order.
Pitching is the only major question for the Red Hawks. Lewis plans on getting a rotation set in Florida, and keeping it steady throughout the year. “We won’t be seeing as many complete games this year,” said Lewis, “but that will keep our staff fresh.”
The main threat for the Red Hawks in the UCAA is cross-town rival Union. Last season, the Red Hawks split with the Dutchwomen, and Union appears to be just as strong this year.
Despite winning the UCAA conference title last season, the Red Hawks did not receive an invitation to the NCAA tournament. The UCAA does not have enough teams to get an automatic bid, and the rough start prevented an automatic bid.
“We want to win the UCAA again,” said Coach Lewis, “We want to come back from Florida with seven wins. That will help us get more than 20 wins, which will get us the attention we deserve.”
